On November 6, 2019, the Board of Directors of the American Planning Association, Texas Chapter adopted its new two-year Action Plan.  This plan sets the priorities the Chapter will follow during 2020 and 2021 as it continues to achieve the goals set in the Chapter’s 5-Year Development Plan.

Strategic Community Solutions LLC provided strategic planning assistance to the Chapter.  The process began in the summer, with discussions between Karen Walz, 2017-19 APA Texas President Doug McDonald AICP, 2019-2021 APA Texas President Chance Sparks AICP and the Chapter’s Executive Administrator Mike McAnelly FAICP.  Next, SCS conducted an online survey of the entire APA Texas membership to gain an understanding of members’ views on the last two years and the issues facing APA Texas and Texas communities during the next two years.  Not surprisingly, a big concern was the 2019 Texas Legislative Session and the bills that passed with a negative impact on Texas businesses, residents and communities.

The Board of Directors held an action plan retreat in San Marcos in August. Karen designed and facilitated the session.  Along with a general discussion of the action items to achieve each goal, Board members also participated in an interactive session focused on strategies to communicate more effectively with members of the Texas Legislature and their staff.

The retreat provided direction for drafting a new Action Plan.  This draft was reviewed by the Executive Director and the Board members.  It was adopted unanimously at the Board meeting on Nov. 6^th in Waco.